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First Down Promise
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26317 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Caitlin Rose
5 books45 followersCaitlin Rose writes emotionally layered love stories and isn’t afraid to explore the messiness of relationships, the ache of longing, or the thrill of falling hard. Her debut novel, Almost Royalty, is a summer love triangle with teeth—sun-drenched, scandalous, and deeply human. Almost Royalty will be back in early 2027, but in the meantime, the Fate Duet is out now!
She’s fascinated by power dynamics, flawed characters, and the moments that change everything. (Morally gray men are just a fun bonus.)
When she’s not writing, Caitlin can be found thrifting, playing fetch with her two dogs, or conjuring up her next plot twist.
A New York native and Arizona State alum, she now lives in the Dallas, TX area with her husband, their young son, and—of course—their dogs.
Follow her on Instagram @caitlinrose.writes for updates, giveaways, behind-the-scenes peeks, and early access to upcoming releases.
She’s fascinated by power dynamics, flawed characters, and the moments that change everything. (Morally gray men are just a fun bonus.)
When she’s not writing, Caitlin can be found thrifting, playing fetch with her two dogs, or conjuring up her next plot twist.
A New York native and Arizona State alum, she now lives in the Dallas, TX area with her husband, their young son, and—of course—their dogs.
Follow her on Instagram @caitlinrose.writes for updates, giveaways, behind-the-scenes peeks, and early access to upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - 3.5 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level
The premise of this book is good for cheerleader and unrequited crush on Brother's teammate and best friend, but I know the arc form said explicit smex on page. However, it's more prop the door open only to close it when the smex starts or you only get a glimpse. The first time her v card is taken, it's just not the scene I was expecting. Many mmcs I have read would walk her through the first time and give her the experience she deserves, but this one was underwhelming to just quit because he's too concerned it hurts. We're told he has taken V cards before this, but without more than a bust and stop, there would be gentle motions after the scene. This scene falls apart for me.
Later you're told the next time was better, but where did that scene go?
Maybe her more darker books would be my speed.
Thank you Caitlin Rose for the eARC!
Release Date: 10.13.26
🌶 - Spice Level
The premise of this book is good for cheerleader and unrequited crush on Brother's teammate and best friend, but I know the arc form said explicit smex on page. However, it's more prop the door open only to close it when the smex starts or you only get a glimpse. The first time her v card is taken, it's just not the scene I was expecting. Many mmcs I have read would walk her through the first time and give her the experience she deserves, but this one was underwhelming to just quit because he's too concerned it hurts. We're told he has taken V cards before this, but without more than a bust and stop, there would be gentle motions after the scene. This scene falls apart for me.
Later you're told the next time was better, but where did that scene go?
Maybe her more darker books would be my speed.
Thank you Caitlin Rose for the eARC!
Release Date: 10.13.26
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
There’s obvious chemistry between Abby and Josh
I absolutely love Abby. She’s that FMC who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
Josh is definitely the MMC who is the protective hero and will do anything for Abby. The way he has fallen for her oof *chefs kiss*
THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!!
“Guess I’m kidnapping you.” He might be joking, and most girls might bristle at the statement, but I’ve fantasized about that very scenario for years.
I absolutely love Abby. She’s that FMC who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
Josh is definitely the MMC who is the protective hero and will do anything for Abby. The way he has fallen for her oof *chefs kiss*
THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!!
“Guess I’m kidnapping you.” He might be joking, and most girls might bristle at the statement, but I’ve fantasized about that very scenario for years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - October 13, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- football romance
- brother’s best friend
- forbidden romance
- age gap
- secret relationship
- protective hero
- he falls first
- spice
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Abby moves to Nashville to start a new chapter with her older brother Pete, and being around his football team becomes a big part of her new life. Josh is Pete’s best friend & one of the Nashville Stallions, so he has always been someone Abby knows & trusts. But things slowly start changing when the line between friendship and something more begins to disappear.
Josh knows exactly why he should stay away from Abby, especially because she is Pete’s little sister and their relationship could cause problems for the team. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for either of them to ignore what is happening between them.
I really enjoyed this one. The brother’s best friend trope was such a fun part of the story, and I loved watching Josh and Abby go from that familiar friendship into something much deeper. Their chemistry was sooo good, and Josh being protective and completely gone for Abby had me smiling so many times.
I also loved that Abby had her own personality and wasn’t just there as the love interest. Her relationship with Pete added so much emotion to the story, especially when everything finally comes out and things get messy between them.
The secret relationship, the football setting, the tension, the emotional moments and all the little sweet moments between Josh and Abby kept me hooked. And the way Josh slowly becomes more open about how serious he is about her was definitely one of my favourite parts.
This was such a fun football romance and a really cute start to the Iron Stallions series. I’m already curious about the next books because I definitely want more of this group 🥹
Thanku author for the book!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - October 13, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- football romance
- brother’s best friend
- forbidden romance
- age gap
- secret relationship
- protective hero
- he falls first
- spice
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Abby moves to Nashville to start a new chapter with her older brother Pete, and being around his football team becomes a big part of her new life. Josh is Pete’s best friend & one of the Nashville Stallions, so he has always been someone Abby knows & trusts. But things slowly start changing when the line between friendship and something more begins to disappear.
Josh knows exactly why he should stay away from Abby, especially because she is Pete’s little sister and their relationship could cause problems for the team. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for either of them to ignore what is happening between them.
I really enjoyed this one. The brother’s best friend trope was such a fun part of the story, and I loved watching Josh and Abby go from that familiar friendship into something much deeper. Their chemistry was sooo good, and Josh being protective and completely gone for Abby had me smiling so many times.
I also loved that Abby had her own personality and wasn’t just there as the love interest. Her relationship with Pete added so much emotion to the story, especially when everything finally comes out and things get messy between them.
The secret relationship, the football setting, the tension, the emotional moments and all the little sweet moments between Josh and Abby kept me hooked. And the way Josh slowly becomes more open about how serious he is about her was definitely one of my favourite parts.
This was such a fun football romance and a really cute start to the Iron Stallions series. I’m already curious about the next books because I definitely want more of this group 🥹
Thanku author for the book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ Thank you to Caitlin Rose and The Beaumont Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own. ✨
I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting, but I completely lost myself in Josh and Abby’s story—and in the rest of the gang: Pete, Dane, and Coop.
Abby has secretly pined for Josh ever since her brother, Pete, became his teammate on the Nashville Iron Stallions. After too many drinks, the guys often stay overnight at Pete and Abby’s house, each claiming a spare room. One brave night, Abby decides to throw caution to the wind and confronts Josh about denying the attraction between them. Then she quickly walks away before the alcohol wears off and he fully realizes what she said.
Josh soon begins to see how perfectly Abby could fit into his life—and that he’s already falling for her. There’s just one problem: Pete has warned all three of his friends not to pursue his sister romantically. What develops between Abby and Josh is something neither of them realized they were looking for. After carrying years of pain, they find unexpected comfort, healing, and happiness in each other.
Read this if you’re ready to be swept away by the first season of the Iron Stallions! With found family, forced proximity, age gap and a football player–cheerleader pairing, this book does not disappoint. I’m already so excited for the next book in the series!
#CaitlinRose #TheBeaumontPress #IronStallions #FirstDownPromise #SportsRomance
I can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting, but I completely lost myself in Josh and Abby’s story—and in the rest of the gang: Pete, Dane, and Coop.
Abby has secretly pined for Josh ever since her brother, Pete, became his teammate on the Nashville Iron Stallions. After too many drinks, the guys often stay overnight at Pete and Abby’s house, each claiming a spare room. One brave night, Abby decides to throw caution to the wind and confronts Josh about denying the attraction between them. Then she quickly walks away before the alcohol wears off and he fully realizes what she said.
Josh soon begins to see how perfectly Abby could fit into his life—and that he’s already falling for her. There’s just one problem: Pete has warned all three of his friends not to pursue his sister romantically. What develops between Abby and Josh is something neither of them realized they were looking for. After carrying years of pain, they find unexpected comfort, healing, and happiness in each other.
Read this if you’re ready to be swept away by the first season of the Iron Stallions! With found family, forced proximity, age gap and a football player–cheerleader pairing, this book does not disappoint. I’m already so excited for the next book in the series!
#CaitlinRose #TheBeaumontPress #IronStallions #FirstDownPromise #SportsRomance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Abby has been in love with Josh for years, but to him she’s always been “the best friend’s little sister.” After tragedy pushes Abby to Nashville to live with her brother, she ends up seeing Josh constantly, which only makes her feelings harder to ignore.
Two years later, everything shifts. Josh finally sees her not as the little sister, but as a woman. When Abby finally confronts him about denying himself her, his resolve snaps and his feelings hit fast and hard. What follows is a hidden relationship full of tension, sweetness, and the thrill of finally getting what you’ve wanted for so long.
The secrecy during football season adds a fun layer of stakes, and when her brother eventually catches them, the fallout’s real. Pete (Abby’s brother) comes around, recognizing that Josh genuinely loves Abby and is good for her.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, satisfying romance about timing, growth, and finally being seen by the person you’ve loved for years. The spice is there but tame, not detailed in every scene, and cuts off for most of it, which is great for people who prefer to not read explicit intimate scenes.
Two years later, everything shifts. Josh finally sees her not as the little sister, but as a woman. When Abby finally confronts him about denying himself her, his resolve snaps and his feelings hit fast and hard. What follows is a hidden relationship full of tension, sweetness, and the thrill of finally getting what you’ve wanted for so long.
The secrecy during football season adds a fun layer of stakes, and when her brother eventually catches them, the fallout’s real. Pete (Abby’s brother) comes around, recognizing that Josh genuinely loves Abby and is good for her.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, satisfying romance about timing, growth, and finally being seen by the person you’ve loved for years. The spice is there but tame, not detailed in every scene, and cuts off for most of it, which is great for people who prefer to not read explicit intimate scenes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌶️ - .5/5
⭐️⭐️.5/5 (2.7 rounded to a 3)
🚨: parent loss, self harm mention, SA mention.
This would be great for people who are moving from YA to more smut. It started off pretty strong: wandering eyes, thoughts of wanting your best friend’s sister, the FMC trying to make the MMC jealous by dating around. The author really started to build up tension (slowly), then it just skyrocketed🚀
I was hoping for more scenes of talking a virgin FMC through it, and the MMC yearning for her.
Josh was supposed to be a playboy, yet he was the opposite.
Abby was hard to figure out. Seemed like the author wanted to go the route of many different troupes that it made Josh and Abby’s chemistry - forced.
I enjoyed the banter between the friends, and loved how the author didn’t make the men “macho”. No 3rd act breakup either.
Thank you to the author for the eARC !
⭐️⭐️.5/5 (2.7 rounded to a 3)
🚨: parent loss, self harm mention, SA mention.
This would be great for people who are moving from YA to more smut. It started off pretty strong: wandering eyes, thoughts of wanting your best friend’s sister, the FMC trying to make the MMC jealous by dating around. The author really started to build up tension (slowly), then it just skyrocketed🚀
I was hoping for more scenes of talking a virgin FMC through it, and the MMC yearning for her.
Josh was supposed to be a playboy, yet he was the opposite.
Abby was hard to figure out. Seemed like the author wanted to go the route of many different troupes that it made Josh and Abby’s chemistry - forced.
I enjoyed the banter between the friends, and loved how the author didn’t make the men “macho”. No 3rd act breakup either.
Thank you to the author for the eARC !
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an ARC read for me and it was so good. It's the first installment in the series, The Iron Stallions. It follows siblings, Abby &Pete, who's the QB for the Stallions football team.
Abby lives in the family home in Wisconsin but after a traumatic event, Pete convinces her to come live with him. Pete's teammates, Josh, Dane, and Coop are constantly around and Abby has had a crush on Josh Mackenzie for years. He's also her brother's best friend.
The pining and the slow burn had me up all night turning the pages. And the f*ck it moment was everything!
The found family dynamic proves that family isn't always blood, but they would do absolutely anything for each other.
The thoughts and opinions on this book are my own and are freely given.
Abby lives in the family home in Wisconsin but after a traumatic event, Pete convinces her to come live with him. Pete's teammates, Josh, Dane, and Coop are constantly around and Abby has had a crush on Josh Mackenzie for years. He's also her brother's best friend.
The pining and the slow burn had me up all night turning the pages. And the f*ck it moment was everything!
The found family dynamic proves that family isn't always blood, but they would do absolutely anything for each other.
The thoughts and opinions on this book are my own and are freely given.
September 23, 2026
Abby has been secretly crushing and in love with her brother’s best friend for 4 years. Josh is denying his own feelings because Abby is just his best friend’s little sister. But now Josh is noticing she not so little anymore and damn he might have feelings. (Not so) Subtle glances, smiles, lingering stares, flirty texts and one night in hotel change everything. Will keeping this all a secret be the fun adventure they wanted or will everything implode around them?
I could not put this book down! Helped get me out of my reading slump and I cannot wait for the next books in this series!
I could not put this book down! Helped get me out of my reading slump and I cannot wait for the next books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75 ⭐️
This was fun and cute! Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and I enjoyed this one. Abby and Josh were the cutest. Abby is the sweet girl next door, younger sister to the star QB, and has been crushing over his teammate for years. Josh is the reformed playboy who realized he has feelings for his best friend’s younger sister. I was hoping for a bit more tension between the two, over all I enjoyed the book. I’m excited to get the rest of the crew’s story!
Thank you Caitlin Rose for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This was fun and cute! Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and I enjoyed this one. Abby and Josh were the cutest. Abby is the sweet girl next door, younger sister to the star QB, and has been crushing over his teammate for years. Josh is the reformed playboy who realized he has feelings for his best friend’s younger sister. I was hoping for a bit more tension between the two, over all I enjoyed the book. I’m excited to get the rest of the crew’s story!
Thank you Caitlin Rose for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader here! A highly anticipated read, I absolutely love everything Caitlin has written. I’m not a sports girly, but am a sucker for a sports romance. Abby and Josh were so cute together and absolutely perfect for each other. I love how their characters were written and the chemistry between them. I love their little community, though honestly Pete and Dane kinda got on my nerves a little bit (I’m sure I’ll come to love them too). Coop is precious and I cannot wait for his book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the books and o absolutely loved it! If your a fan of brothers best friend, then this book is for you!
I loved that there was no third act break up and once they finally got together they were solid!
Can’t wait for the next instalments in this series, I will definitely be pre-ordering them!
I loved that there was no third act break up and once they finally got together they were solid!
Can’t wait for the next instalments in this series, I will definitely be pre-ordering them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm typically a hockey romance girl, but I think after this book, I'm officially in my football era. I absolutely loved the storyline and all the characters. Caitlin always pulls me in woth all of her books, and this one was no different! She is one of my favorite indie authors.
September 6, 2026
Caitlin really did something amazing with this book. Full of tension, an amazing golden retriever of a football player, and the sweetest FMC. Would read over again, and that’s my highest praise! Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
American Football girlies, this one is for you!!
Abby, the sweet, best friend’s little sister was a phenomenal FMC! She was able to find confidence in this book to go for what she wants and I’m so here for it!!
Josh, a green flag even if he is going after his best friend’s little sister. He always treats Abby with respect and knows how to make her feel special!
The side characters really complete the story. I loved that Sadie and Abby became quick friends even though the other girls on the squad were cold. I LOVE Coop. He is so precious.
I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes us. As always, thank you Caitlin for having me as an early reader!
American Football girlies, this one is for you!!
Abby, the sweet, best friend’s little sister was a phenomenal FMC! She was able to find confidence in this book to go for what she wants and I’m so here for it!!
Josh, a green flag even if he is going after his best friend’s little sister. He always treats Abby with respect and knows how to make her feel special!
The side characters really complete the story. I loved that Sadie and Abby became quick friends even though the other girls on the squad were cold. I LOVE Coop. He is so precious.
I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes us. As always, thank you Caitlin for having me as an early reader!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this story, Josh and Abs are perfect for one another. Years of pining for one another then finally giving into their feelings. Epic read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL ROMANCE!!!
well you are in LUCK!!! Because Caitlin Rose has done it and you do not want to miss this at all!!!
So don’t want to give away to much but
I got the opportunity to beta read this and I absolutely loved it from beginning to end! I was laughing,giggling, crying a little, and the spicy was just right!
Abby my girl ! Dang where to begin with her that she has been in love with her brother’s best friend since she laid eyes on him. Love the growth that I seen from her.
Josh my dude dang what can I say that he is good looking and that hair phew… my oh my… want to run my fingers through that hair and pull haha…
He was falling for his best friend’s little sister. Loved the growth, the close that he is with his team .
well you are in LUCK!!! Because Caitlin Rose has done it and you do not want to miss this at all!!!
So don’t want to give away to much but
I got the opportunity to beta read this and I absolutely loved it from beginning to end! I was laughing,giggling, crying a little, and the spicy was just right!
Abby my girl ! Dang where to begin with her that she has been in love with her brother’s best friend since she laid eyes on him. Love the growth that I seen from her.
Josh my dude dang what can I say that he is good looking and that hair phew… my oh my… want to run my fingers through that hair and pull haha…
He was falling for his best friend’s little sister. Loved the growth, the close that he is with his team .
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews